Forming roll



Nov. 5,-1946. P. P. M. DuoscLARD FORMING ROLL Filed Sept. 1, 1944 '6 S heetsSheetl' 3 v l I o 33 3 E 0 LL. 3 Q 3 INVENTOR 8 g 3 g; PAUL. PMDus scLARo Nov. 5, 1946. v P. P. M. DUBOSCLARD 2,410,603

FORMING ROLL Filed Septfl, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR DAUL PM. DUBOSCLARD a g M ca ATTORNEY;

Nov. 5, 1946. P. P. M. DUBOSZLARD 1 v FORMING ROLL I Filed Sept. 1, 1944 6 Sheet-Sheet 5 Pic 3 INVENTOR PAUL p lg, DuBoscLARo v ATTORNEYS NOV. 1946. RIP. M}. DUBOSCLARD I ,5

FORMING ROLL Filed Sept 1, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR um. P w. DUBOSCLAQD a Nov. 5,1946. P. P. M. IDUBOSCLARD 2,410,603

FORMJ ING ROLL Filed Sept. 1, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR PAUL P. hg DueoscLAno a MMIQM-.ATFORNEYS I56 10 use 160 Nov. 5, 1946.-

P. P. M. DUBOSCLARD FQRMING ROLL Filed Sept. 1, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 v V INVENTOR DAUL PM. DUBO$CLARD ATTO'RNEYS Patented Nov. 5, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to forming rolls, and more particularly to improvements informing rolls for processing sheet metal stock and the like into varyingly curved sectional shapes.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a powered sheet rolling mill of improved form which is capable of handling relatively large size stock sheets and imparting thereto in improved manner variously curving sectional forms. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved forming roll which is adapted to form a fiat stock sheet automatically into a prescribed varyingly curving contour during a single pass through the machine. Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character described which is adapted to operate in improved manner to form stock sheets into chord- Wise sectionally curved forms, either tapering or non-tapering in spanwise directions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine of the character aforesaid which is adapted to single-pass a stock sheet therethrough to form such stock sheet to curve sectionally to varying degrees chordwise of the sheet without requiring operator-attention to the roll settings of the machine intermediately of the rolling pass. Another object of the invention is to provide a forming roll for the purpose aforesaid which is adapted to roll flat sheet stock into relatively sharply curved shapes with improved facility.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved forming roll of the character aforesaid which is adapted to more uniformly process stock sheets accurately into curved shapes and at increased speed when attended by only relatively unskilled operating personnel, compared to other manual or mechanism-controlled machines of the prior art. Another object of the invention is to provide a forming roll of the character aforesaid which is adapted to be set to automatically process, in improved manner, a flat sheet stock into a variously curved sectional form during a single pass of the stock sheet through the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic operation control mechanism in rolling mills and the like whereby a positionally adjustable roll element thereof is automatically controlled to maintain substantially equidistant spaced relations at opposite ends thereof with respect to a positionally fixed roll element of the mill. Another object of the invention is to pro- .vide a forming roll of the character aforesaid which incorporates adjustable and automatically operating cam and stock sheet positioning devices for accurate control and synchronization of the cam and stock sheet actuating operations.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved sheet metal forming roll which is adapted to be operated by relatively unskilled workmen to produce 'large quantities of variously curved sheet metal pieces such as airplane wing leading edge skin sheets or fuselage skin sheets or the like in improved manner.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of. a forming roll of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the right hand end portion of the mill of Fig. l, with portions broken away to show operative mechanism in section;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged View of the left hand end portion of the machine of Fig. 1, with portions broken away to show operative mechanism in section;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section, on an enlarged scale, taken along line IVIV of Fig. 1

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section on an enlarged scape taken along line VV of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end elevation of the mechanism of Fig. 3; I

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view, partly in section, of an automatic roll levelling and control device located centrally of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an end elevation of a manual control device portion of the machine;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the hydraulic control system of the mill; and

Fig. 10 is a perspective of a typical curved sheet product formed upon the mill of the invention.

The invention is illustrated by the drawings to be embodied in a forming roll comprising a bed constructed of parallel side beams llll0 and spacers [2 extending transversely therebetween at intervals longitudinally of the beams. The bed is supported above the floor line for convenient operator feeding of stock sheets to the mill by means of pedestals [4. The stock contacting roll system of the machine comprises a group of three rolls disposed in parallel relation and extending lengthwise of the bed at a position generally centrally thereof. The rolls are grouped so as to comprise a pair of spaced bottom rolls l 6l8 and an upper roll 20 carried at a position above and intermediately of the positions of the bottom ro ls.

The upper roll 2|] is carried by a beam 22 which is in turn suspended at its opposite ends from posts 2426 extending upwardly from the bed of the machine. The beam 22 is keyed to the posts 24-46 by means of vertical key slides 28- -28, and its vertical disposition is controlled by adjustable link mechanisms which will be described in detail hereinafter, whereby the elevational positions of opposite ends of the roll 20 are selectively controlled by adjustments of the suspension link devices, as will also be explained in detail hereinafter.

The upper roll 20 is supported by the beam 22 by means of a plurality of paired roller bearing 3 devices -39 which are carried by brackets 32 extending along the bottom edge of the beam 2?. at intervals longitudinally thereof so as to support the roll Nagainst undesirable deflections during stockrolling processes.

The bottom rolls Iii-l8 are similarly mounted upon paired roller bearings 34-35 carried by 4 drive the rolls against the stock sheet in the same direction and at approximately the same peripheral speeds. Thus, it will be understood that whenever a stocksheetis placed in position between the'rolls, and the'upperiroll' is lowered so as to bend the stock sheet into the space between the bottom rolls, the rolls will thereupon pull brackets 38 bolted to top plate members 40-49 at intervals longitudinally thereof, whereby to support the rolls Iii-l8 against undesirable der fiections under the stresses of sheet stock rolling operations. The top plates 30-49 are slid ably mounted upon the cross bars H of the bed so as to be adjustable directions transversely of the bed to vary the distance between the rolls iii-l8." To control such adjustments of the positions of the rolls lfi 'l8 the top plates lit-4B are provided withmr saeu bosses 42 (Fig. '5) engagedby screws M which arejoumana as at 45 upon the bed and arranged to be manually controlled by calibrated hand wheels '5ll50. Thus'it will be understood that manipulations of the hand wheels 59 willproduce corresponding lateral adjustments of the top plates it-40cmryin'g the bottom rolls 1 fi- -lfijandthat the plates 49 4!!" may thereby Toe Selectively adjusted relatrve to 'the'bed at' either or both "ends thereof tofiiro'cure any desired plan view alignment of the bottom rolls 'l6'|'8 relative to th mill'bd. Thus, not only may the distance between the rolls I 5 1 8 he adjusted-abut also the directional alignments ftherle'of relative futile "bed ma be selectively adjusted "as required for proper processing of variouslyfcontoured stock sheets. Lock- 'ihg belts 5 I are provided" to extend from "thefbed through lateral slotted portions of "the plates 48;); and backing up screws 52 are provided to bolster the plates M4140 dispositions intermediately of the position's of the hand wheels '50. 'The rolls 16 -18 arearranged 'ajdj'acerit their extreme end portionsjto be journaled upon their corresponding, top plates fill- 59 by means of bearin blocks '53j 53 (Figs. '2-'-3 '5), and the toprollzflisfsimilarly journaled upon the top beam v22 'atftheextreme "opposite end portions of the roll 2!; by means of stirrup blocks 54454. inorder to insure ev en"pulling away from the work between sheet rolling operations the top rollfl2ll may be additionally suspended "from" the beam '22 'intermediately of the bearing blocks 54- 54 'by means of straps or magneticfdevices, as preferred. The top roll 20 is arranged to be power driven by iauniversally jointed intermediate shaft "56 (-Fig. 3) while the lower'r'olls Iii-l8 are arranged to be driven by similar universally jointed 'intermediate shafts 58-58; The shaft '56 connects through aistub shaft 60 toxa spur gear BZmeshing with corresponding spur gears 'GQf-B' carried by stub shafts 66-456 connecting to the corresponding intermediate shafts '58-158 of the lower rolls. The upper stub shaft 60 is fitted with a sprocket and 'chaindrive device 68 whichengages a countershaft 10 (Fig. '3) coupled to the outputshaft of a, speed reducer igear device 12 which in turn is driven as by an electric motor 15. The motor and-gearbox and drive shaft ,devices are all firmly-mounted upon a base plate l'dwhichjs carried by pedestal portions [4 of the machine frame.

Thus, 'it willbe understood that operation of the-motor lfiwill'cause the rolls I6,"l8, 20 to be individually driven so as to driveja stock sheet inserted therebetween as showninFig. 4-to pass over the lower rolls {and below the upper roll.

The gears are so arranged and-selected as to the stock sheet through the machine while imparting a curved sectional contour to the sheet throughout its length and width.

To adapt the machine to roll stock sheets to relativelyshort radii the upper roll 20 is provided to be of as small diameter as possible while still being sufiiciently rigid against deflection intermediately of its supporting brackets 32. However, the diameters of the bottom roll l6-l8 are not as critical in relation to the problem of forming stock to short radius curves, and it'is therefore usually practicable to provide the bottom roll 16 18 to be of larger diameters so asto provide therein larger factors of safety against undesirable deflection intermediately of their supporting brackets 38.

To control the elevation of the upper. roll 20 throughout its length relative to the bottom rolls l6l3 and to thereby regulate the depth of pressing of the stock between the bottom rolls which in turn regulates the sectional contour of the finished stock piece, the roll carrying beam 22 is suspended at its opposite ends from the support posts 2426 by'r'neans of separate elevation-adjusting linkage devices For example, as shown in Figs. 3and6, the beam suspension linkage at the left hand end portion of the machine as viewed inFig. .1 includes a suspension link 88 pivotally connected by a pin 82 at its lower end to the beam 22 and by .means of a pin 8:} at its upper end to one arm of a rocker 85. The rocker 85 is pivotally'mountedjat 86 upon a bracket exten'ding from the frame post 24, and a second arm of the rocker '85 pivotally connects at 31 to thepiston rod 88 of a hydraulic cylinder 90. The cylinder '90 is carried by a rocker bracket 92 extending from the frame post 24 so as to be automaticallyadjustable into proper directional alignment with the pivot'connection '8! t all positions of the rocker.

A third arm' 95 of the rocker 85 pivotally connec'ts at 95 to a link 95 'which'extends downwardly therefrom into pivotal connection at 91 to the upper end of a pitman 98 which is mounted to be vertically slidable upon the machine frame and to carry a roller 99 disposed to bear upwardly against the underneath surface of a cam plate I00.

. Paired rollers IiSZ-IUZ (Fig. 6) are carried by the machine frame to guide vertical motions of the pitman 98;; and the cam track I00 is detachably mounted upon a carrier bracket H14 which is disposed between paired horizontal guide rollers lod -I86 for mounting the carrier and cam lllll upon the machine frame "to be freely slidable in horizontaldirections transversely of the end view oft'he machine. The cam carrier is also formed with a toothed rack portion I08 which meshes with a spur gear Hi1 carried by one end of a drive shaft H2 which is journaled upon the machinefframe and extends substantially from one end to the other thereof. The drive shaft H; carries a sprocket 1 I4 engaging a drive chain H5 which is geared 'to asprocket"l [6 carried by the motor drive "shaft iii, whereby itwill be un'derstiood that whenever the motor??? is started to drive the rolls l-6,-| 3, 2B, for passing a stock sheet therthroughfthe card 100 will be simultanecusly driven to move horizontally-and in the 23 ropes.

same general direction as theimovernent of the stock sheet, and in synchronism therewith. I

As illustrated by Fig. 2, a top roll suspension linkage and elevation control cam and cam dis-' placing mechanism identical to the mechanisms of Fig. 3 at the left hand end of the machineare furnished in conjunction with the right hand end portion of the roll carrying beam 22; 'andlike reference numerals are employed in Fig. 2 to designate operative elements corresponding to the hereinabove described operative elements of Fig. 3. As in the case of the driving pinion I I inFig. 3,the cam driving pinion H0 at the right hand end of the machine is keyed to the drive shaft H2 which extends to both ends of the machine frame as explained hereinabove, whereby it will be understood that the cam devices at both the right hand and left hand ends of the machine are arranged to be simultaneously driven to be displaced horizontally in directions corresponding to the direction of stock sheet movements through the machine, and in synchronism there-' with. l

The'hydraulic cylinders 9090 are arranged to be controlled by a hydraulic system asillustrated in Fig. 9, and the control system includes an automatic upper roll levelling feature which insures that whenever the machine is opened up to receive a new stock sheet the upper roll is elevated throughout its entire length substantially equidistantly relative to the bottom rolls. For this purpose a push-pull member I20 pivotally connects to an arm of each of the rockers 85-85 and extends vertically therefrom into corresponding pivotal connections with bell-cranks I24.I24 carried by the machine frame. .The opposite ends of the bell-cranks I24-I24 pivotally connectto' push-pull members I20.-I26 which extend, respectively, into pivotal connections with opposite ends of a differential lever I30 (Figs. 7-9) which is fulcrumed at I32 upon a block I34. The block I34 is keyed to a pair of oppositely directed rods I35-i30 which carry valve heads I38-I38 slid-' ably mounted within cylinders I40--I40. Each of the valve heads I38I38 isformed with a bifurcated fluid port I42 (Fig. '7) therethrough to permit equalization of fluid pressures at opposit sides of the valves.

. The top roll elevational control system of th mechanism of the invention is arranged to be operator-controlled by any suitable four-way valve as indicated at I44 (Figs. 1, 3, 9).. As shown in Fig. 9, the inlet port of the valve I44 is connected to a fluid conduit I45 leading from the output side of a pump I46. A fluid return port of the valve I44 is connected to a return conduit I41 leading to an oil reservoir I48 which is in turn connected to the intake side of the pump I45. A pressure relief valve I49 is installed in the conduit I45, and the overflow port thereof con nects to a return conduit I50 leading back to the reservoir I48. Thus, it will be understood that whenever the control valve I44 is in off position as indicated in Fig. 9, the pump I46 'will simply circulate fluid through theconduits I45- I41 and the reservoir and pressure relief connecting devices.

The valve I44 is so arranged that upon manual turning of the control handle, such as for example to rotate the valve core clockwise as viewed in Fig. 9, the pressured fluid traveling through the conduit I45 will be diverted into a conduit II leading into open communication'withSpaired conduits I 52-I 53 which connect respectively into cyl- I inder feeding'conduits l54'-'I55'. The valve Ms 1 alsoso arranged that upon turning of the control:

handle thereof'so asito rotate the valve core away from, the off position thereof and in counter-- clockwise direction as viewed in Fig.9, the pressured fluid traveling through the supply conduit I45v will .bediv'erted into a conduit I50 leading intoopen' communication with paired conduits I 5'II 5B'whichin turn connect respectively to cyl inder feeding conduits I59I 60. Check valves as indicated rat? I6i-I6I are provided in each of the conduits I52-I53I51-I58, and spring devicesas: indicated. at I02 are coupled to the valve carrying block I 34v for biasing thelatter toward a centralfposition between the cylinders I40-I40.

Thus, it will be appreciated that whenever it isdesired to raise or lower the upper roll 20, the control-valve I44 is simply manually turned either clockwise or counterclockwise away from. the oil position thereof shown in Fig. 9. For

example, if the valve is so rotated as to divert the:

pressured fluid from the conduit I45 into the con-v the pistons of the cylinders 90-90 willbe 're-.

liev'ed; The fluid below the piston in the right hand cylinder is permitted to. drain through the :conduit I50 and into the left hand cylinder I and thence into the return conduit I56, and-at the same time the fluid under the piston of the.

left hand cylinder 00' drains through the conduit I60 and thence into. the other end of .the cylin- 40 der I40 whichis tothe left of the differential lever I30. Under such conditions the check valves' IOI--I6I' in the conduits I'5'I-I58 will automatically close; upon commencement of such drainage operations so as to prevent the draining fluid from passing therethrough.

As long asthe beam 22 moves so as to remain. substantially level relative to the lower rolls I6I8 the orifice I42 through the valve heads I38 in the left hand cylinder I40 permits the fluid draining from the conduit I60 to join thefluid draining from the conduit I59 and to passinto' the return conduit system I56-I4'I. Therefore pressure differentials are established at opposite sides-of the pistons in the cylinders 9090 which operate to lower the pistons and to raise both ends of the roll support beam 22. the beam 22 tends to move faster at one end than at the other, the automatic leveling feature of the device will function to retard the excess motion so as to bring the opposite ends of the beam 22 back into leveled relation.

For example, if the right hand end portion of ;he beam 22 tends to rise faster than the left hand end, the linkage and bell crank system comright hand end of the machine will displace the corresponding push-pull member I26 at a rate greater than'the coincident displacement of the opposite member I26; and this differential action will rock the central lever I30 toward the left' about its'pivotal connection to the left hand link I20as a fulcrum. Thus the block and valve unit I3-6.-'-I38I38 will be displaced to the left as viewed in Fig. 9 against the action of the centralizing springs I62-I62. Such movements to the If however prising the elements B085--I20l24 at the leit; ohthe valves. I 3.8;. 1.38;.will ;.thr.0ttle. the port eta-inletinto-the left hand. cylinder. I40; from. the conduit- I59 without .:disturhing. free. passage of draining; fluid through the :conduit; .Ififl; Thus, the downward motion of the; piston in. the right hand :cylinder. at :will lie-automatically; retarded relative to the rate of motion of: the left. hand. vlinder...piston..unti1 suchtime .as. the two ends ofthe Troll? support beam '22.. return to. relatively level '2 positions, whereupon; the a leveling mechas nism will be..automaticallyreturnedto a neutral position; asiIIustrated-in Fig.9; This le'v eling mechanism permits thebeamto deviate slightly from perfectly level relation, such asmay beneces'sary to. allow thgupper roll to follow diiferent cam shapes at opposite endsoithe beam; but'the leyelingfjdevice in any case prevents the upper beam from cocking? tosuch degree as would result in its jamming between the end posts Whereas, the. description herein has so far-been limited to reference to operations of the hydraulic controlsystem to provide. raising of. the upper roll '20,'itwillbe understood that manual turning of; the control valve I44. in opposite direction awayfrom. its off. position will. provide reverse direction operation of. the entire system; and that drainages .of the cylinders 9.0 9.II will then take placeftlirough the upper. ports of the cylinders anddnto'conduits. I54.-I55 and thence through thvalve cylinder unit It'll-.140 atthe righthand sideof thedifierential lever I; and thatthe automaticileveling 'feature'ot the mechanism will under such -"circumstances be adapted to function ina similarfmannen 'Ilo "prlovide for-relative adjustments of. the beam suspensionidevices at opposite ends of'the upper rclllZIl; the cam sumaortinglinks 9d.-96 are provided:to he oppositely threaded at their. ends as indi'cated'at: I63 (Figs 23). Each link 96-.-96 haskeyedf thereon a worm wheel I64 which meshes with a worm gear I65 carried by a shaft IfiiBsWhic'h is keyed to aicorresponding hand wheel IEBhnd- 'ournaled in a bearing lfiawhich is carriedby the link-96. Thus, manual rotations of the hand wheels- I 6:8= -.-f69-iwill provide correspondingselective adjustments of the lengths of the..'linl;s 95- 96 so. that the upper roll can be finally: adjusted relative to the work in conjuncj; tio'nfwith each new work setup while the'wheels 934-198 are against the cams I00+IOIL Also, the' handwheels I68 may be employed if'desired for manual control of the upper roll setting during work: sheet formingprocessea'in -lieu of cams or the'like as explainedhereinabove. Micrometer switch devices adapted to open the circuitsto the.

motor 17:5 are mounted as indicated atI'IBe-It'II (Fig.i6-), and each of the cams I 00IIlll is provided with positiona-lly. adjustable stop devices Iwwtaz-ifig. '6) for, cooperation with the actu ating finger portions .ofthe micrometer switches.

A work sheet trailingzedge supp rt bracket as at I90 (Fig.4) ispreferably arranged to extend from the reed side of the machine frame ill to. support inrapproximately level position thepwo-rk sheietsto .he-p ocessed as indicated at. 1-95.. An' adjustable stop device .195 is .zpreferably mounted upon thebrzicket. zlfidand arranged toxbe detachabiy clampedthereto. as "by a wing nut. I91; whereby; preparatory :to similarly processing ;a.se-- ries ,;of identical work sheets the stQpzI'BGmay he initially set at properposition .a-ndsuccessive work sheets may then be rested upon-the bracket so as. :to re ister their trailing .edges. .again'stthe stopinproper.stantingppsition.'

1Tb commence thenwork sheet forming opera-v 8 tion the. .switch 'controllingthe .pump motor is closed and the control. valve; handle I44. is. then rotated to. :downf position, I whereupon the pressure cylinders Elle-9.0 will. operate to lower, the upperzrollinto pressing relation against the leading..edge..of thework. sheet. and to simultaneously raise rthecam following-rollers 59-99 up against the;.cam;-tracks IEliI''I00 The pressure exerted bythe upper. roll -ainst thework sheet is regulatedby thepressure within the hydraulic. system'las controlledby the setting of the pressure reli'e'fvalve I48; Thehand wheel I68I.68 may then. be adjustedif necessary, to provide the prescribed: degree. of worksheet, deflection at each station on the cams; and the sheet forming operation will then proceed immediately upon man.- ualrotation of the. motor control switch I52.into operative. position; The rolls IS-IS-Zil will thereupon The driven to pull the work sheet throughthe. machine while thecams. mil-I 60 will hesimultanwusly driven to. move in synchronism'With-the. worksheet to control the cam following rollers 99-99 for regulating the elevationxof the. upper roll 20 at the opposite ends thereof. in. accordance with the contourchange prescriptiontfor thecurved sheet article to be produced. Thus, it will be. understood that it is thehydraulic pressure forces within the cylinders 89'9ll that force the upper roll downwardly relative to the. work sheet to deflect the latter to .varyingzdegrees such as are permitted.

by the profile changes of th cams IfiIlIBIl cor.- responding. to the opposite ends of the work sheet- Therefore, the. cam need only be preformed'to produce suitable separate elevational adjustments of theopposite ends of th upper roll.20 so as to cause the work sheet to be bent as prescribed throughout the. chordwise and spanwise extents thereof.

'AsZthe' rear edge of each work sheet passes throughtheroll elements (of the mill the sheet is freed to. be. removed by an attendant, and the micrometer switchi'I'I is thereupon actuated by thev limit device I82 to open the circuit of the drive. motor 'lfisso asto prevent the. cam carriers lfiflm-llunafi m being driven off the machine. Th .;operator.wi1=l then turn the motor control switch I52 to reverse and the. hydraulic roll elevation. control valve 144 to open position. The motor willthen drive the cam carriers to return. towardstarting position and the upper roll 20 he lifted to make room for feeding the next; work' sheet. into starting position between the rolls. During this process the automatic leveling mechanism. described hereina-bove operatesi-torinsure that the roll 28 rises equally at both ends. Uponrreturn of the cams 100-400 to their starting, positions thelimit device I .actuates the. micrometer. switchnl I5 so as to open the reverse. operation. circuit of. the motor I5, whereupon. the. machine is fully. prepared. to. receive nothersvvork sheet and to repeat thereon .the ereinahove recited f orming operation,

Becauseitis impracticable to buildzthe relativelyllong rollsupportingheam elements of the machine. to ..be absolutely ri id against bending, it is preferred in connection with flat-rolling .operations to provide means for oppositely deflectingto..;a metered:.degree.one of. the opposed roll supporting beam. elements when it is unloaded. Thus, when the/working load forces are applied theyare employed to. realignthe roll supporting elements -.and their. rolls into-perfect straightline :fOI'mSSQ that the. machine. will produce fine, ished :rollied sheets which are perfectlystraight.

I therebetween, the flcient frictional drive it in accurate-"synchronism with corresponding displacementsof the cams without excessive pinching the opposed roll in spanwise directions. For this purpose an adjustable truss arrangement may be provided to comprise diagonal struts IQB-IQB extending from opposite ends of the frame beam l0 into connection with vertical struts Ills-r99 extending from intermediate positions on said beams.

A manually adjustable and calibrated hand wheel 20!] (Figs. 1 and 8) is keyed to a screw, bar 202 understood that the machine loaded conditions so as to be prepared to flatten out under stock-rolling loads so as to produce perfectly straight leading edge type products as illustrated for example by Fig. 10. e

A particular feature of the forming rollof the invention is that all of the stock-contacting roll elements thereof are power driven in mutual synchronism. Hence, it its unnecessary to arrange for pinching the work sheets between the rolls in order to obtain sufficient driving-action of the rolls against the work sheets. Because of this triple-grip the'rolls against the stock sheet when inserted rolls are enabled to obtain sufholds upon the stock piece to of the stock between any two of H elements. Thi enables the work sheet to be permitted to slip relative'to the'rolls in such manner asto provide the requisite differentials of displacement motions'of the work sheet relative to the rolls at opposite en-dsof'the work sheet in connection, for example, with the forming of aspanwise tapered curved product such as the tapered airplane leading edge sheet illustrated by Fig. 10. l

It will be understood that in'order to form an article as illustrated in Fig. 10, either the lower roll elements l t- I8 will be first adjusted tov be closer spaced at one end of the machine than at the other, or the cam track devices at opposite ends of the machine will be shaped so 'asto forc th upper roll 20 to move downwardly between the rolls |6l 8 to a greater depthatone end of the machine than at the other intermedjiately of the stock forming operation. In any case, since the opposite ends of the roll elements are rotating at equal speeds some slippage of the work sheet relative to the roll elements must be permitted to accommodate the taperedforming operation referred to hereinabove. If, for ex ample as in the prior art, only one or two of the roll elements, were arranged to be power driven it would be necessary to provide the powered rolls to more'firmly grip or pinchi the, work sheets therebetween in order to get sufficient driving connections between the roll elements and the work sheet; and sucha geared type connection between the roll elements andthe" work sheet would interfere with the difierential slippage required to formwtapered articles as explained hereinabove. v

Although only one formof the invention has been shown and described in detail it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention isnot so limited but various changes-may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims,

I claim:

1. In a machine having a long bed and press holding and dIiVll'lg action of actuated by fluid means at opposite ends'thereof, wherein it is normally desired to provide said press to remain substantially equidistant from said bed at opposite ends thereof; an-automatic levelling control comprising a single fluid pump and conduit means extending parallel into connection with said fluid means, return conduits leading from said means into a cylinder at longitudinally spaced ports therein, a piston within said cylinder normally positioned therein between the position of said ports so as to avoid closing thereof, said piston being perforated to provide I metered passage of fluid therethrough and connected to a control rod extending exteriorly of said cylinder, a differential leverpivoted to said control rod intermediately of its ends and pivotally connected at its opposite ends to push-pull members linked to opposite ends of said press so as to be differentially displaced upon movements of said press relative to said bed to unequally spaced relationat opposite ends thereof, whereby said control lever willbe automatically shifted to move said piston so as tothrottle one of said ports whereby to retard fluid drainage from one of said fluid means and ktothereby' provide a presslevel restoring force; a l

2. In a forming roll machine of' thecla'ss describedand having a long bed and pressactuated by fluid means at opposite ends thereof, wherein it is normally desired to provide said press to remain substantially equidistant from said bed" at opposite ends thereof, power means for actuating said press at opposite ends thereof to move relative to said bed, and an automatic leveling device associated with said power means to control the latter so that any motion of one end of; the beam to advance ahead of the other end thereof will automatically reduce the forces creating such jby fluid means at opposite ends thereof, wherein 1 it is normally desired to provide said press to remain substantially equidistantfrom said bed at opposite ends thereof, power means foractuating said press at opposite ends thereof to move relative to said bed, and an automatic leveling device associated with said power means to control the latter so that any motion of one end of the beam to advance ahead of the other end thereof will automatically reduce the forces creating such advance motion, said automatic leveling control comprising a single fluid pump and conduit means extending parallel into connection with said power means, return conduits leadingfromsaid power means into a cylinder at longitudinally spaced ports therein, a piston withinsaid cylinder normally positioned therein between the. position of said ports so as to avoid closing thereof, said piston being perforated to provide metered passage of fluid therethrough and connected to a control rod extending exteriorly of said cylinder, a differential lever pivoted to said control rod intermediately of its ends and pivotally connected at its opposite ends to push-pull members linked ,to opposite ends of said pressso as to be differen- 4. In a forming roll having stock contacting -roll elements at opposite sides of the position of the stock to be rolled, means for regulating the relative positions ofsaid-roll-elements,said means .comprising pressure means, tending to force one of said :roll elements towardthe othencam means positively limiting the efiects [of said pressure means, andmeans synchronizing said camming eifectswith the movements of stock through said 1 roll elements. 5. In aforming rollhaving stockcontactingroll elements at opposite sides of the position of the Istoelsto be rolled, means for regulating the rela tive positions-of saidroll elements, said means comprising cam devices positioned at opposite ends of one of said roll elements, guide means ,linkedto 0pp0site-;ends.of-,one ofpsaid roll elements and associated with said cams respectively for shifting the positions of the corresponding .end

portions of said roll element in response to movements of said guide means relative to said cam devices, and means automatically operable in response to driving rotationof said roll elements to providerelative camm-ing movements between said guideandea-m-devices.

6. Ina forming roll having-.stockcontacting roll elements at opposite sides ofthe position of the stock to be rolled, means for regulating the relativepositions ofsaid- IOlla elements, said means the stock tolbe rolled, means for regulating the relative positions of said roll elements, said means comprising pressuremeans tendingto forceopposite ends of 'oneof said" roll elements to move independently toward the other of said roll elements, and cam devices controlling the extent of movements of said roll element ends, said cam devices being controlled by the rotation of the roll elements andin synchronism with passage of .the stock' through themachine.

8.: Ina forming roll having stock contacting roll elements at opposite sides of the position of the stockto-be rolled, means for regulating the relativepositions of said roll elements, said means comprising pressure means tending to force 0pposite ends ofoneof said roll elements to move independently toward the other of said roll elements,fand cam devices controlling the extent of movements of said roll element ends, said cam devices-being controlled by. the rotation of the roll elements,said press means including means normally providingapproximate synchronism of motion of .lopposite ends of said roll supporting ele-- ment.

9 In a, forming roll having stock contacting roll-elements at oppositesides of the position of the stock to be rolled, meansfor regulating the relativepositions offlsaidroll elements, said means comprising pressure means tending Ltofforce opp siteendsof ,one of said roll elements to move 7 independently toward the other of said roll elements, and cam devices controlling the extent of movements of said. roll elementends, said cam devices ,being controlled by the rotation of the roll elements, said press means including means normally providing approximatesynchronism of I posite ends thereof;

12 motion of opposite ends of said roll supporting element except as overcome by operations'of said cam means.

10. In a forming roll machine of the character described, a bed, apair of stock forming rolls mounted upon said bed, a frame disposed above said bed, a third roll carried by said frame so as to be adapted to rollingly engage and press upon the upper surface of a stock piece rested upon said lower rolls, an adjustable support device-mounted at eachendof said bed and extend ing therefrom to provide suspensionmountings for the opposite ends of said frame relative to said bed, and support-adjustmentcontrol means comprising guide devicescarried by said suspension means and cam devices mounted upon said bed to be displaceable thereon in synchronism with stock-driving rotations of said rolls and thereby operable to actuate said guide devices to independently adjust the frame suspension means at opposite ends thereof.

11. In a forming roll machine of the character described, abed; repair of stock forming rolls mounted upon said bed, a frame disposed above said bed, a third roll carried'by said frame so as to .be adaptedto rol-lingly engage and press upon-the upper surface of a stool; piece rested upon said lower rolls,- all. three of said rolls beingpower-driven atapproximately the same surface speed, an adjustable-support device mounted at each endofsaidbed and extending therefrom to. provide suspension mountings forthe opposite ends of said frame relative to said bed, and

support-adjustment control means comprising guide devices carried by said suspension means and cam devices mounted uponsaidbed to-be displaceable thereon-in. synchronism with stock driving rotations of said-rollsand therebyoperable to actuate said guide devices to independently adjust the frame suspension means at op- ,12. Ina forming roll machine. of. the character deseribedra. bed, apair ofstock forming rolls mounted upon .saidbed, a framev disposed .above said bed, .a,third.roll carried by said frame so as to be adapted to rollingly engage and pressupon the upper. surfaceof a. stockpiecerested upon saidlower rolls, a positioning device at each end offsaid; bed. and extending therefrom to provide mountings'forthe opposite endsof said framerelative to said bed,.and position adjustment means comprising cam means carried by saidbed .to be displaceable thereon in synchronism with stock driving, rotations of said rolls. .and thereby operable to independently adjust the frame positioning means at opposite endsthereof.

13.. In a forming roll having stock contactin roll elements at. oppositersides of the stock motionpassageway,therethrough, means for regulating the relativepositions of said roll elements, said means comprising separate cam devices corresponding to'opposite ends of one of said roll elements, separate guide means linkedto said opposite ends of said one of said roll elements and guided by said cams. for adjusting the positions 'ofthe end portions of said roll element in. response .to relative movements between said guide devicesand .saidcam devices, and meansautomatically. operable in responseto driving rotation of said roll elements to provide. relative movements between said guideand cam devices.

PAUL'P. M. DuBosc ARD. 

